Diabetes has been included among the leading cause of death in the Philippines.
The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, majority of which live in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Both the number of cases and the prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
In the Philippines alone, an annual increase of 7.8% among Filipinos has been recorded based on the 2020 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
If recent trends on diabetes continue, more and more Filipinos will be afflicted with Diabetes in the coming years. With more and more consumers now shifting to healthier alternatives to cut on sugar, Stevia is becoming a popular sugar substitute in the market today.
“Stevia has been touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute with proven health benefits. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities,” said Maura De Leon, the woman behind Glorious Industrial and Development Corporation – GIDC, The Stevia Company, the country’s first stevia grower and manufacturer.
“Stevia can replace sugar used in baking, beverages, cooking, and almost anything, a natural alternative that can significantly cut sugar in one’s diet,” shared Michelle De Leon, GIDC head of Operations.
“Before, stevia was restricted to the health food market without any FDA approval. With recent developments in technology, it is now widely used as a substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products. USFDA considered Stevia as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe),” Michelle added.
While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight but who want to reduce their sugar intake.
In the Philippines, Sweet and Fit Stevia is the first stevia herbal dietary supplement introduced in the Philippines that was registered by the Food and Drug Administration. Produced by GIDC, The Stevia Company, Sweet and Fit Stevia has no cholesterol, no calories, no carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index. Sweet and Fit Stevia is grown and harvested locally in the Philippines.
GIDC, is also the maker of Glorious products that includes no sugar added coffee and chocolate mixes. It recently introduced its no sugar iced tea mixes in major supermarkets and groceries. Consumers who cut on sugar in their diet can now enjoy low-calorie, no sugar iced tea mixes, and beverages that are sweetened by natural alternatives. GIDC also offers tolling services, where customers or brands can explore having their own Stevia-based natural products.
Since its establishment more than 17 years ago, GIDC has been committed to curbing Diabetes with the help of its local farmers, partners, and other support groups. GIDC likewise supports their partner farmers by providing housing, a better working environment, scholarship for their children, and medical assistance, among others, as its way of giving back to their partner towards a Diabetes -free Philippines.
For more information, visit www.gidc.com.ph.